Psychotines

E.: MMMMMAAAARRRRCCCCC! Am I going to die?

M.: No, you're not going to die.

E.: What are these psychotines?:

In H1N1, the country is confronting a particularly virulent strain of influenza. Once in the lungs, it replicates more quickly than other strains, triggering the body’s immune system. The immune system then overreacts to the force of the virus. A phenomenon called a “cytokine storm” kicks in. Cytokines are proteins that promote inflammation in response to infection.

Normally, cytokines help the body by flushing out fluids from blood and lymphatic vessels. But, Kasirye said, “When the vessels are inflamed, they start to leak fluid, and so people get more fluid in their lungs. It creates a perfect storm. The immune system reacting to the virus goes haywire and attacks the body.”

M.: It's like an inflammation. The flu doesn't kill you directly. It gets your body to overreact, and that's what kills you.

E.: You and C. are barbarians! You go outside and touch the rake and the ground and then you come inside and touch the food!

M.: (Blowing nose) Well, that's how....

E.: Eeeee! Germs!